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Wisconsin Football: Key matchups to watch vs. New Mexico

By Steven Tondi

MADISON, WI - AUGUST 31: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Camp Randall Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - AUGUST 31: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Camp Randall Stadium on August 31, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Football - T.J. Edwards
MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 26: T.J. Edwards (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Wisconsin LB’s vs. New Mexico Rushing Attack

T.J. Edwards and the rest of the linebacker corps had a business-as-usual kind of performance last Friday.  Zack Baun was solid in his first game as a starter, Andrew Van Ginkel did Van Ginkel things, Ryan Connelly made plays and Edwards was flying all over the field.

The linebackers did not make many plays rushing the passer, but they made a large impact in pass coverage and stopping the run.  The lack of pressure from the linebackers is probably due to Jim Leonhard calling basic plays and saving his best stuff for down the road.  This unit is extremely reliable and I fully expect more of the same against the Lobos.

New Mexico ran the ball 66 times last Saturday.  That is almost on par with triple option teams like Navy and Air Force.  Although they differ in style, they appear to be similar to the Wisconsin offense in how they look to establish the run right off the bat.

Despite running the ball 66 times, it only resulted in 4.8 yards-per-carry.  That is by no means a bad stat line but against an FCS team, you would expect that stat to be a little higher.

If the Badgers can shut down New Mexico’s rushing attack early, they can force the Lobos to have to beat them through the air.  This will allow the Wisconsin linebackers, especially Van Ginkel and Baun, to pin their ears back and go after the quarterback.

In my season predictions, I predicted that Baun would have a huge game against New Mexico.  I have total confidence in Baun proving me right and making plays all over Camp Randall for the Wisconsin Badgers.